POLYCHROME WOOD SCULPTURE OF A SEATED LOUHAN

Song dynasty
12th century AD
China

The louhan is seated on a rockwork base in rajalila asana. His left leg hangs down, and the right leg is bent and tucked against the chest - held in position by the figure's hands, with the fingers locking together just below the knee.

He wears a long robe that crosses at the chest - covering both arms and legs, and leaving his rounded shoes exposed. The powerfully expressive head looks slightly up and to the left - with eyes wide open and intense. The ear lobes are elongated and the full lips turned down, creating a strong and determined impression.

Height: 41 ½" / 105.5 cm

Similar example: 'La sculpture Chinoise' by O Siren IV, pl. 603 A and B - dated to the Song dynasty.

Also see 'Chinese Art (sculpture section) Five Dynasties and Song', vol. 5 - pages 56 and 57 - for two Louhans - dated to between 906 and 1127 AD.